Envolvimento de "stakeholders" em direcção à construção sustentável

A mudança de paradigma requerida para evoluir na direcção da construção sustentável exige a conjugação efectiva de diferentes condições determinantes, que inclui a percepção, comportamento e envolvimento de partes em todo o processo, em particular os actores que efectam, bem como aqueles que são afectados pela tomada de decisão. Para além das formas convencionais de envolvimento dos stokholders, novas formas de cooperação precisam de ser exploradas. O presente artigo tem por obectivo reflectir sobre a melhor estratégia de gestão a aplicar nos actores-chave num contexto de networking sobre construção sustentável em Portugal. A análise efectuada permitiu verificar que o sucesso de uma plataforma de cooperação está condicionada pela participação dos actores-chave, pelo que há necessidade de fazer o mapeamento, a hierarquização e a definição de uma estratégia de gestão que maximize asua cooperação, isto é, que vá ao encontro das necessidades de cada um deles, para que a plataforma de cooperação se torne um efectivo espaço de partilha, diálogo, aprendizagem e inovação

Evaluation of a biometric keystroke typing dynamics computer security system.

This study evaluates an inexpensive personal computer access control system that relies on biometric keystroke typing dynamics technology, BioPassword Model 2100 (BioPassword). Enrollment time, verification time, false rejection error rate, false acceptance error rate, and user acceptance were evaluated for this system. The results show that BioPassword provides multilayer security through the inclusion of privilege control, audit functions, passwords, and verification of a personal behavioral characteristic, the rate and variation of typing a given password string. Enrollment and verification times were considered satisfactorily fast. Overall false rejection error rate was 22.5%, while false acceptance error rate was 3.4%. The false rejection error rate for acceptance as a function of trial number from one trial to five trials were 4. 4%, 1.4%, O.7%, O.4%, andO.3% respectively. These values were achieved under relatively uncontrolled conditions and should be improved on by using recommendations that are included. Users generally reported satisfaction with the system, which should be acceptable as part of an office automation system when used in conjunction with other standard security measures. BioPassword Model 21 00, Biometric technology, Keystroke Typing Dynamics, False Rejection Error Rate, False Acceptance Error Rate, Enrollment Time, Verification Timehttp://archive.org/details/evaluationofbiom00kuanCommander, Republic of China NavyLieutenant, United States NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

A sensitive APEX and ALMA CO(1-0), CO(2-1), CO(3-2), and [CI](1-0) spectral survey of 40 local (U)LIRGs

We present a high sensitivity spectral line survey of CO(1-0), CO(2-1), CO(3-2) and [CI](1-0) in 40 local (ultra) luminous infrared galaxies ((U)LIRGs), all with previous Herschel OH119 $\mu$m observations. We use single-dish observations (PI and archival) conducted with APEX, complemented with ALMA and ACA data. We study the total emission and pay special attention to the extended low-surface brightness components. We find a tight correlation between low-J CO and [CI] line luminosities suggesting their emission arise from similar regions, at least when averaged over galactic scales. We estimate a median CO-to-H$_2$ conversion factor of $1.7\pm 0.5$ M$_{\odot}$ (K km s$^{-1}$ pc$^2)^{-1}$ for ULIRGs, using [CI] as an independent tracer. We derive median galaxy-integrated CO line ratios ($r_{21}$, $r_{31}$ and $r_{32}$), as well as $r_{CICO}$, significantly higher than normal star forming galaxies, confirming the exceptional molecular gas properties of ULIRGs. We find that $r_{21}$ and $r_{32}$ are poor tracers of CO excitation in ULIRGs, while $r_{31}$ shows a positive trend with $L_{IR}$ and SFR, and a negative trend with the H$_2$ gas depletion timescales ($\tau_{dep}$). When studying CO line ratios as a function of gas kinematics, we find a positive relation between $r_{21}$ and $\sigma_v$, which can be explained by CO opacity effects. We find that the linewidths of [CI] lines are ~10% narrower than CO lines, which may suggest that the low optical depth of [CI] can challenge its detection in diffuse, low-surface brightness outflows, and so its use as a tracer of CO-dark H$_2$ gas in these components. Finally, we find that higher $L_{AGN}$ are associated to longer $\tau_{dep}$, consistent with the hypothesis that AGN feedback may reduce the efficiency of star formation.Comment: Accepted for publication by A&A. 42 pages, 22 figures. Abstract summarised for arXiv submissio

Time courses of improvement and symptom remission in children treated with atomoxetine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: analysis of Canadian open-label studies

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The relatively short durations of the initial pivotal randomized placebo-controlled trials involving atomoxetine HCl for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) provided limited insight into the time courses of ADHD core symptom responses to this nonstimulant, selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate time courses of treatment responses or remission, as assessed by attainment of prespecified scores on the ADHD Rating Scale-IV-Parent Version: Investigator Administered and Scored (ADHDRS-IV-PI) and the Clinical Global Impressions-ADHD-Severity (CGI-ADHD-S) scales, during up to 1 year of atomoxetine treatment in children with ADHD.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using pooled data from three Canadian open-label studies involving 338 children ages 6-11 years with ADHD who were treated with atomoxetine for 3, 6 and 12 months, and survival analysis methods for interval-censored data, we estimated the time to: 1) improvement and robust improvement defined by ≥25% and ≥40% reductions from baseline ADHDRS-IV-PI total scores, respectively; and 2) remission using two definitions: a final score of ADHDRS-IV-PI ≤18 or a final score of CGI-ADHD-S ≤2.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The median time to improvement was 3.7 weeks (~1 month), but remission of symptoms did not occur until a median of 14.3 weeks (~3.5 months) using the most stringent CGI-ADHD-S threshold. Probabilities of robust improvement were 47% at or before 4 weeks of treatment; 76% at 12 weeks; 85% at 26 weeks; and 96% at 52 weeks. Probabilities of remission at these corresponding time points were 30%, 59%, 77%, and 85% (using the ADHDRS-IV scale) and 8%, 47%, 67%, and 75% (using the CGI-ADHD-S scale). The change from atomoxetine treatment month 5 to month 12 of -1.01 (1.03) was not statistically significant (<it>p </it>= .33).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Reductions in core ADHD symptoms during atomoxetine treatment are gradual. Although approximately one-half of study participants showed improvement at 1 month of atomoxetine treatment, remission criteria were not met until about 3 months. Understanding the time course of children's responses to atomoxetine treatment may inform clinical decision making and also influence the durations of trials comparing the effects of this medication with other ADHD treatments.</p> <p>Trial Registrations</p> <p>clinicaltrials.gov: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00191633">NCT00191633</a>, <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00216918">NCT00216918</a>, <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00191880">NCT00191880</a>.</p

Counsellee’s experience of cancer genetic counselling with pedigrees that automatically incorporate genealogical and cancer database information

To access publisher's full text version of this article, please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field or click on the hyperlink at the top of the page marked Files. This article is open access.While pedigree drawing software is often utilised in genetic services, the use of genealogical databases in genetic counselling is unusual. This is mainly because of the unavailability of such databases in most countries. Electronically generated pedigrees used for cancer genetic counselling in Iceland create pedigrees that automatically incorporate information from a large, comprehensive genealogy database and nation-wide cancer registry. The aim of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore counsellees' experiences of genetic services, including family history taking, using these electronically generated pedigrees. Four online focus groups with 19 participants were formed, using an asynchronous posting method. Participants were encouraged to discuss their responses to questions posted on the website by the researcher. The main themes arising were motivation, information and trust, impact of testing and emotional responses. Most of the participants expressed trust in the method of using electronically generated pedigrees, although some voiced worries about information safety. Many experienced worry and anxiety while waiting for results of genetic testing, but limited survival guilt was noted. Family communication was either unchanged or improved following genetic counselling. The use of electronically generated pedigrees was well received by participants, and they trusted the information obtained via the databases. Age did not seem to influence responses. These results may be indicative of the particular culture in Iceland, where genealogical information is well known and freely shared. Further studies are needed to determine whether use of similar approaches to genealogical information gathering may be acceptable elsewhere

Elucidating pathways of Toxoplasma gondii invasion in the gastrointestinal tract: involvement of the tight junction protein occludin

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite infecting one third of the world’s population. The small intestine is the parasite’s primary route of infection, although the pathway of epithelium transmigration remains unclear. Using an in vitro invasion assay and live imaging we showed that T. gondii (RH) tachyzoites infect and transmigrate between adjacent intestinal epithelial cells in polarized monolayers without altering barrier integrity, despite eliciting the production of specific inflammatory mediators and chemokines. During invasion, T. gondii co-localized with occludin. Reducing the levels of endogenous cellular occludin with specific small interfering RNAs significantly reduced the ability of T. gondii to penetrate between and infect epithelial cells. Furthermore, an in vitro invasion and binding assays using recombinant occludin fragments established the capacity of the parasite to bind occludin and in particular to the extracellular loops of the protein. These findings provide evidence for occludin playing a role in the invasion of T. gondii in small intestinal epithelial cells

Importance of salt fingering for new nitrogen supply in the oligotrophic ocean.

The input of new nitrogen into the euphotic zone constrains the export of organic carbon to the deep ocean and thereby the biologically mediated long-term CO2 exchange between the ocean and atmosphere. In low-latitude open-ocean regions, turbulence-driven nitrate diffusion from the ocean’s interior and biological fixation of atmospheric N2 are the main sources of new nitrogen for phytoplankton productivity. With measurements across the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, we show that nitrate diffusion (171±190 mmolm 2 d 1) dominates over N2 fixation (9.0±9.4 mmolm 2 d 1) at the time of sampling. Nitrate diffusion mediated by salt fingers is responsible for ca. 20% of the new nitrogen supply in several provinces of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Our results indicate that salt finger diffusion should be considered in present and future ocean nitrogen budgets, as it could supply globally 0.23–1.00 TmolNyr 1 to the euphotic zone.MALASPINA (CSD2008-00077)Versión del editor10,015

Evaluation of a 'virtual' approach to commissioning health research

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a 'virtual' (computer-mediated) approach to health research commissioning. This had been introduced experimentally in a DOH programme – the 'Health of Londoners Programme' – in order to assess whether is could enhance the accessibility, transparency and effectiveness of commissioning health research. The study described here was commissioned to evaluate this novel approach, addressing these key questions. METHODS: A naturalistic-experimental approach was combined with principles of action research. The different commissioning groups within the programme were randomly allocated to either the traditional face-to-face mode or the novel 'virtual' mode. Mainly qualitative data were gathered including observation of all (virtual and face-to-face) commissioning meetings; semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of participants (n = 32/66); structured questionnaires and interviews with lead researchers of early commissioned projects. All members of the commissioning groups were invited to participate in collaborative enquiry groups which participated actively in the analysis process. RESULTS: The virtual process functioned as intended, reaching timely and relatively transparent decisions that participants had confidence in. Despite the potential for greater access using a virtual approach, few differences were found in practice. Key advantages included physical access, a more flexible and extended time period for discussion, reflection and information gathering and a more transparent decision-making process. Key challenges were the reduction of social cues available in a computer-mediated medium that require novel ways of ensuring appropriate dialogue, feedback and interaction. However, in both modes, the process was influenced by a range of factors and was not technology driven. CONCLUSION: There is potential for using computer-mediated communication within the research commissioning process. This may enhance access, effectiveness and transparency of decision-making but further development is needed for this to be fully realised, including attention to process as well as the computer-mediated medium

Young patients', parents', and survivors' communication preferences in paediatric oncology: Results of online focus groups

Contains fulltext : 51596.pdf ( ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: Guidelines in paediatric oncology encourage health care providers to share relevant information with young patients and parents to enable their active participation in decision making. It is not clear to what extent this mirrors patients' and parents' preferences. This study investigated communication preferences of childhood cancer patients, parents, and survivors of childhood cancer. METHODS: Communication preferences were examined by means of online focus groups. Seven patients (aged 8-17), 11 parents, and 18 survivors (aged 8-17 at diagnosis) participated. Recruitment took place by consecutive inclusion in two Dutch university oncological wards. Questions concerned preferences regarding interpersonal relationships, information exchange and participation in decision making. RESULTS: Participants expressed detailed and multi-faceted views regarding their needs and preferences in communication in paediatric oncology. They agreed on the importance of several interpersonal and informational aspects of communication, such as honesty, support, and the need to be fully informed. Participants generally preferred a collaborative role in medical decision making. Differences in views were found regarding the desirability of the patient's presence during consultations. Patients differed in their satisfaction with their parents' role as managers of the communication. CONCLUSION: Young patients' preferences mainly concur with current guidelines of providing them with medical information and enabling their participation in medical decision making. Still, some variation in preferences was found, which faces health care providers with the task of balancing between the sometimes conflicting preferences of young cancer patients and their parents

HIV-Induced T-Cell Activation/Exhaustion in Rectal Mucosa Is Controlled Only Partially by Antiretroviral Treatment

Peripheral blood T-cells from untreated HIV-1-infected patients exhibit reduced immune responses, usually associated with a hyperactivated/exhausted phenotype compared to HAART treated patients. However, it is not clear whether HAART ameliorates this altered phenotype of T-cells in the gastrointestinal-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), the main site for viral replication. Here, we compared T-cells from peripheral blood and GALT of two groups of chronically HIV-1-infected patients: untreated patients with active viral replication, and patients on suppressive HAART. We characterized the T-cell phenotype by measuring PD-1, CTLA-4, HLA-DR, CD25, Foxp3 and granzyme A expression by flow cytometry; mRNA expression of T-bet, GATA-3, ROR-γt and Foxp3, and was also evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and rectal lymphoid cells. In HIV-1+ patients, the frequency of PD-1+ and CTLA-4+ T-cells (both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) was higher in the GALT than in the blood. The expression of PD-1 by T-cells from GALT was higher in HIV-1-infected subjects with active viral replication compared to controls. Moreover, the expression per cell of PD-1 and CTLA-4 in CD4+ T-cells from blood and GALT was positively correlated with viral load. HAART treatment decreased the expression of CTLA-4 in CD8+ T cells from blood and GALT to levels similar as those observed in controls. Frequency of Granzyme A+ CD8+ T-cells in both tissues was low in the untreated group, compared to controls and HAART-treated patients. Finally, a switch towards Treg polarization was found in untreated patients, in both tissues. Together, these findings suggest that chronic HIV-1 infection results in an activated/exhausted T-cell phenotype, despite T-cell polarization towards a regulatory profile; these alterations are more pronounced in the GALT compared to peripheral blood, and are only partiality modulated by HAART